Very windy with rain and snow showers in Akron today

February 24, 2012

Low pressure over northern Ohio will move to eastern Lake Erie this afternoon. A strong cold front will move eastward across the area this morning ushering in colder temperatures for the afternoon. Rain showers are likely today, gradually changing to snow showers this afternoon as the colder air arrives. Highs this morning will reach the upper 40s in Akron, then temperatures will fall during the afternoon.

Winds today could gust over 55 mph at times, especially this afternoon just after the cold front passes through. Some tree damage and isolated power outages are possible. The National Weather Service has issued a high wind advisory for the entire area.

Tonight, it will remain windy across the area as a strong, cold west-northwesterly flow develops. As the cold air deepens, scattered snow showers will transition to lake effect snow across the area. Some accumulation is expected, especially in the snow belt areas north and east of Akron. Strong winds will create areas of blowing and drifting snow, especially late tonight. Low temperatures will fall to the mid 20s.

Saturday will be blustery and cold with lake effect snow continuing. Again, the heaviest snow should be in the snow belt areas north and east of Akron where totals could exceed a half a foot in some places. In Akron, total accumulations should be 1 to 3 inches. It will be windy with areas of blowing and drifting snow. Highs on Saturday will be in the low 30s.

Snow showers will likely continue into Saturday night, before tapering off Sunday morning. Some additional accumulation is possible. Winds will also diminish as high pressure builds across the area. Lows Saturday night will drop to around 20 degrees in Akron, but highs on Sunday will rebound to the mid 30s across the area under partly sunny skies.